Cindy Joseph Boom Mask

RRP: from $42

--What does the promo say? --

“100% all natural raw honey, French pink clay revitalising face mask. This deep penetrating facial mask will nourish and heal your skin while naturally and gently pulling impurities from your pores. BOOM Mask is a rejuvenating, cleansing and nurturing facial mask made from all natural and organic ingredients. It is made by our beekeepers on the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii.  We use raw Hawaiian wildflower honey, organic diatomaceous earth, French pink clay, Hawaiian blue green algae, royal jelly and propolis. There are no man-made chemicals, fillers, Sodium Laurel Sulfate, parabens, phthalates or fragrances of any kind.  We do no animal testing. So what do all these ingredients do? Propolis is a natural antiseptic which eliminates unhealthy bacteria. Its nutritive value also feeds and nourishes your skin, leaving it beautiful, radiant and healthy. Honey is a natural antibiotic which also hydrates the skin. Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is the fossilised remains of marine phytoplankton.  It is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder, which can have an abrasive feel, similar to pumice powder. In BOOM MASK, it gently exfoliates, removing dead skin cells, thus smoothing and toning the skin. French pink clay detoxifies and cleanses the skin. Hawaiian blue green algae enhances skin elasticity. Royal jelly nourishes the skin with vitamins, minerals and amino acids."

--Packaging--
BOOM MASK pots are simple white plastic pots with the colourful BOOM logo printed on the side.  The logo has been altered slightly, from pink and red to pink and brown (like the colour of the mask) so that this pot stands apart from the moisturisers BOOMSILK and BOOM COTTON, ensuring that you do not confuse the moisturisers with the mask.  On first opening the pot has a seal which is easily removed.

--Application--
Apply generously to clean and moistened face and neck. Allow to penetrate for 10 – 20 mins. Wash away with warm water and a wash cloth. This is not a mud mask. It will not dry on the skin but will remain thick and sticky until it is removed.

--Appearance--
A quite dark brown, grainy-looking mixture.  

--Scent--

The only product in the BOOM range to have quite a strong scent of honey. If you don’t like honey, you will not like wearing this mask.  If, on the other hand, you love it – you will probably want to lick it off!!

--Texture and consistency--
Thick, creamy, slightly grainy and quite ‘solid’ in the pot. The mixture is also quite ‘goopy’ so you need to be careful when dipping your fingers in and carrying the mixture to your face or you will leave splots of it all over your bathroom surfaces.  It has a grainy texture when applied, which is not unpleasant as it feels as though you are getting an exfoliator and mask-in-one (which of course is exactly what is intended and what the promo claims).  It spreads well across the face and you have the choice of applying it in a thin or thick layer.  Leave to rest for 10 - 20 minutes and make sure no one comes in the bathroom!  Enjoy the scent of honey and try to resist licking it off from around your lips!

--Removal--
Have added an extra heading into this review because, when it comes to masks, removal is as important as application.  As stated, BOOM MASK is quite a thick and goopy mixture and is very dark brown, so if you use a washcloth to remove it then your washcloth will also need washing quite thoroughly immediately afterwards. The mixture clings much more to a flannel than it does to your face!  I think I found the perfect solution to this dilemma (especially for an impatient person who doesn’t like hanging around for her nails to dry or for masks to do their stuff), and it worked perfectly for me.  I simply put the mask on before taking my shower in the morning.  By the time I have washed body and hair, I then just put my face in the shower and let the shower wash the mask off.  A lovely invigorating final spa treatment for your face! Added bonus was the tasty mixture that found its way into my mouth.  Yum yum.

--Effects on the skin—

Skin felt cleansed and soft and smooth after application.

--Value for money--
A little of this product goes a long way and even the small pot lasts for ages.  I have been using the mask once a week, sometimes twice, and the pot has lasted me two months and is still not finished yet. Shipping from America (fast, efficient and tracked) needs to be added to the cost of the pot so perhaps worth placing a bulk order with your BOOM COTTON and BOOMSTICK TRIO. 

perfect partners

BOOMSTICK TRIO, $76

BOOMSILK all-over face and body moisturiser, from $27

BOOM COTTON shine control moisturiser, from $32
BOOM CALM, $44

by Sarah Cross

Trilogy Gentle Facial Exfoliant

RRP: £21.50

--What does the promo say?--
"The fast way to a fresh new complexion with glowing results you'll see instantly, Trilogy Gentle Facial Exfoliant is a gentle, creamy treatment that removes dead skin cells and surface debris that dull your skin's appearance. Formulated with jojoba wax spheres and camellia oil to gently buff away impurities and nourishing botanical oils to reveal softer, smoother, more radiant skin, Trilogy Gentle Facial Exfoliant is an essential part of your beauty regime."

--Packaging--
The red, white and silver colour scheme is a bit spartan, but at least unisex and practical, with the flip-top plastic lid proving robust. Gives you only the information you need and nothing more - so cuts the spin and makes it easy to read.

--Application--
Massage in circular motions onto moistened skin before rinsing off and following with moisturiser. Pretty simple really.

--Appearance--
Off-white, with barely visible grains. No visible residue is left on the skin.

--Scent--
The jojoba and camellia gives a really clean, natural scent that isn't overpowering.

--Texture and consistency--
To quote Trilogy's PR, "The Trilogy range has always been and will always continue to be free of plastic microbeads." This is a great thing, as not only is the environmental impact significant, but natural exfoliants always tend to be more effective anyway. The jojoba microspheres in this product are no exception - pleasantly scrubby without irritating the skin.

--Effects on the skin--
Further to this, the brand mantra is ‘maximum effect on your skin, minimum effect on our environment’. This is borne out by this product, which sloughs off dead skin while moisturising thanks to the natural microspheres and combinations of essential oils.

--Value for money--
While at £21.50 this seems expensive, you can shop around for good deals, and furthermore, this is a high quality product which lasts a long time (a little goes a long way!). You can equally be confident in the knowledge that by buying this product and not one containing microplastics, you are helping to protect the environment too.

perfect partners
Balancing Face Lotion, £26.50
Hydrating Mist Toner, £17.50
Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+, £26.50

Diptyque Radiance Boosting Powder

RRP: £38 for 40g

--What does the promo say?--
"Natural white clay powder, which purifies and remineralizes skin, is combined with powdered rose, jasmine, and neroli petals to hydrate. With a splash of water, Radiance Boosting Powder turns into a creamy lather that leaves skin clean and clear, ready for the next steps in your skincare ritual."

--Packaging--
My sample from Diptyque's PR arrived in a convenient travel sachet, whereas the full-size version appears to come in a bottle, which seems a little bizarre but will hopefully minimise wastage compared to, say, a pot with a wide opening. The black and white colour scheme is minimalist and unisex, and the botanical logo is both beautiful and informative, summing up the diptyque philosophy inherent in its plant-based products.

--Application--
Place approximately half a teaspoon into your cupped palm and rub in enough toner (diptyque's, or your own preference) to make a paste that's thick enough to massage into your skin. This can be left on for a while and used as a mask, or wiped off immediately with a wet flannel. This was fun to do and surprisingly efficient - no powder all over your bathroom :)

--Appearance--
The white powder becomes a slightly grainy paste when mixed with fluid, but leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
Despite the essential oils of orange, neroli and jasmine, the clay itself was the overriding scent.

--Texture and consistency--
The powder gels into a spreadable paste easily upon contact with liquid and does not go runny and insipid easily. As mentioned, this has a slightly exfoliating effect, but is non-irritating and is easily rinsed off.

--Effects on the skin--
Skin appears calmed and more matte while simultaneously increasing in radiance. The use of salicylic acid in the product also meant I saw an improvement in my acne while using it - win :)

--Value for money--
While expensive, it remains an affordable luxury - particularly given that a mere two grams of this product lasted me around a week, and probably would have lasted even longer if I'd tried hard (I was not sparing with the powder!). This means the 40g in the bottle would last 20 weeks minimum (around 5 months) if used every day. It's an extremely high quality product which gave me rapid results, mattifying my skin and just generally making it less red and angry. Would recommend.

perfect partners (click for reviews!)
Infused Facial Water, £35
Protective Moisturising Lotion, £44
Deluxe Face Care Gift Set, £48

ZAO Mascara

RRP: £16.95
# of shades available: 2

--What does the promo say?--
"Mascara is your secret weapon! It enhances your look for every occasion and is designed to give intense colour and volume whilst providing hydration. ZAO mascara reduces the risk of redness and irritation to your eyes. It contains high-quality raw materials Suitable for regular use and sensitive eyes. Combining traditional craftsmanship and modern design, the painted bamboo case emanates sophistication and originality. It is protected by a cotton pouch like a jewel. This beautiful presentation even makes the ZAO product range a perfect gift."

--Packaging--
ZAO aren't wrong when they emphasise their beautiful, sustainable bamboo packaging. You wouldn't even want to throw this away when you're done with it. Refillable mascara is probably not a possibility right now, but I hope their other products are refillable.

--Application--
As normal: apply one thin layer of mascara to each set of lashes. Go back round again, adding a second thin layer (as opposed to just applying one thick layer from the outset) to further define lashes. Not difficult.

--Appearance--
Regardless of the shade chosen, this provides a beautifully natural, complementary shade that will suit anyone. Lashes are separated perfectly - better than just about any high street mascara I've seen.

--Texture and consistency--
Wonderfully smooth, without being too liquid or sticky. No clumps whatsoever.

--Value for money--
I know £16.95 seems like a lot of money, even if the packaging is sustainable and elegantly crafted. However, this is basically the perfect product: its price is in line with big brands like Clinique and Laura Mercier, but contains much friendlier ingredients and gives just as good a result (and even better). Even though I was sent mine for free, I would definitely come back to this brand, as the sheer quality of this mascara augurs very well for ZAO's other products.


perfect partners
Cream Eye Shadow, £13.95
Eye Liner, £16.95
Eyebrow Pencil, £9.95

Spongeing your skin

How do you wash your face?

With a flannel, a cotton pad, a tissue, or just with your hands like on the TV?

The Konjac Sponge Company has a new idea: why not wash our faces with sponges? But not just any sponge, oh no. Their sponge (the clue's in the name) uses the konjac plant, and it's already taking off in Japan (all the best stuff seems to start there, doesn't it? First BB creams, and now this).

How it works is this: this relative of the potato is ground down into flour (which has previously been used to make noodles and thicken food) before being mixed with pure filtered volcanic water, put into moulds, fermented, steamed, and baked into shape. Different supplements are added to suit your skin type, whether it's bamboo charcoal to balance oily skin or red clay to hydrate dry skin.

The sponges hold ten times their weight in liquid, so you don't need much water. No cleanser is needed, but if you still want to use one anyway, use less than you normally would, as the sponge will make it go much further. The sponge then exfoliates gently to get rid of dead skin cells, increase radiance, and reduce puffiness.

When the sponges show signs of wear and tear (usually around the 3-month mark), their fully biodegradable qualities mean that they can be disposed of in a completely environmentally friendly way, whether you want to compost them or feed them to your house plant.

Not convinced? Try it yourself: from August 20th-24th, a pop-up shop will be running in the Marylebone district of London (specifically at 10a Blandford Street), where you can speak to experts about the best sponge for you. Pop in between 11.00 and 3.00 on any of the days above to test it out. With luck I'll be sent one to try soon, so will also be able to feed back on this spongy revolution. *tosses flannel into the wash*

Clay and Herbs Peppermint Pumice Hand and Foot Scrub

RRP: £38 for 200ml

--What does the promo say?--

"This is a stimulating scrub with pumice and Peppermint essential oil. Perfect for neglected hands and feet."

--Packaging--

Definitely functional rather than pretty. A clear container is topped with a plastic screw-top lid and adorned with a basic white printed label with black and green font. It's not the easiest thing to use, as you have to decant the powder into a separate container to mix with water as and when you need it, but in all honesty I can't currently think of a better way to package it: if the product came as a paste then the maker (herbalist Patricia Ferguson) would need to start adding all kinds of preservatives to make this possible.

--Application--

Mix 1 part powder to 2 parts water, adjusting until you get a paste that's the right consistency for you. Rub into dry hands and feet before rinsing off. Don't try to apply under running water or while your skin is wet - it won't scrub the skin so effectively and will be washed off before you're done. 

--Appearance--

A grey-brown powder, which is surprising given the use of fresh peppermint, but perhaps not so surprising given the use of pumice stone. This turns to a darker green when mixed with water, but leaves no visible residue on hands or feet once rinsed.

--Scent--

The peppermint is definitely detectable, which is lovely and refreshing both in terms of scent and in terms of how it feels on the skin. This certainly makes it a product that would appeal to both men and women.

--Texture and consistency--

Beautifully scrubby thanks to the natural pumice stone used, without being too harsh. During and after use you have a strong feeling that the product has been effective.

--Effects on the skin--

I have mixed feelings about this product: I have very hard skin on my feet despite regular exfoliation and visits to a podiatrist, and unfortunately I didn't feel that this product made any difference. On my hands, however, the difference was palpable: skin was beautifully smooth, soft and nourished after use of the product.

--Value for money--

If this had proved for me to be a true multi-use product that produced obvious and immediate results in both areas, the £38 may have seemed justifiable. However, given that for me the sample I was sent seemed to work well only on my hands, it's much less convincing. While I can see that the amount you get in a jar (200ml) goes a long way, and that the refill (at £35 for 220ml) is even better value, for this price I'd ultimately be looking for something that fulfils both promised functions to wow-factor level. Equally, £38 is a lot of money for most people to just shell out in a heartbeat for any product of this type. I'd be more inclined to downsize my budget to £25-£30 and go instead for products by Elemis or Deborah Lippmann, or even to the £20-£25 bracket for products by Dr Lewinn, Green People, Essie or Caudalie for a real luxury treat that promises efficacy.

perfect partner

Exfoliating Body Scrub, £39.70/200ml

Clay and Herbs Purifying Acne Masque

RRP: £15.70 for 50ml; £32.50 for 100ml; £29.50 for a 110ml refill

--What does the promo say?--

"A therapeutic blend of highly absorbent and detoxifying clays, zeolite mineral, healing herbs and essential oils to deeply cleanse blemished skin."

--Packaging--

Definitely utilitarian and functional rather than glamorous or glitzy, the white and clear plastic pot is adorned with a simple black and white printed label detailing the ingredients and application instructions. No advertising to be found here, or cheap tricks to lure in buyers; in fact, this proves rather refreshing. You will need a second pot into which to decant your powder and mix it with water, though; it won't last well if the whole lot is mixed at once in the pot the powder comes in.

--Application--

Mix a small amount of the powder with water or toner to create a paste-like consistency. Spread over a clean dry face, leave to dry and then rinse off with a damp flannel. Follow with moisturiser.

--Appearance--

The greyish-brown powder turns greener when mixed with liquid. When wet, it is dark green, but it dries on the face to a paler green. This doesn't leave any visible residue when washed off.

--Scent--

A lemon and seaweed type smell gives the impression of this being a clean, natural, efficient and unisex product.

--Texture and consistency--

The powder is smooth and sandy rather than grainy, although grains become more obvious once the powder is mixed with liquid. On the skin it feels soothing and non-irritating.

--Effects on the skin--

Skin is immediately calmer and less red once the mask has been removed. Blemishes visibly begin to clear up much more quickly and do not recur so easily. Wunderbar!!

--Value for money--

While £15.70 for 50ml seems pricey, very little is needed at once for your whole face (maybe 1-2 teaspoons) and the product is extremely effective. Easily competes with and often exceeds the performance of others in its price category - which includes brands such as Dermalogica and Clinique. Although I was sent the product for free on this occasion, I would definitely spend my own cash on it in future.

perfect partners

Peppermint Pumice Hand and Foot Scrub, from £35

Gentle Facial Scrub, from £26.70

Exfoliating Body Scrub, from £36.70

Purchase from www.greenleavesherbalhealth.co.uk

Lush Volcano Foot Mask

RRP: £4.95/125 grams

--What does the promo say?--
"For feet which emit toxic gases! This thick effective mask has clays to draw out deep-down-dirt, fresh papaya and lemon for cleansing, deodorising tomatoes, astringent herbal decoctions and anti-fungal essential oils."

--Packaging--
Standard Lush style giving the effect of chalk on a blackboard. Pot fully recyclable.

--Application--
Smother your feet in this stuff, wrap them in cling film, leave for 10 minutes, and then massage into your feet before rinsing off. This is pretty easy - some others who have used this product have mentioned to me that they've found it difficult to rinse it all off, but I have never found this. I've also found the cling film to be an optional step, as the product seems to work perfectly well without it, but I can imagine that it would optimise the product's effectiveness if you did use it (plus I guess that would mean you could still walk around the house if you wanted or needed to while it was doing its thing).

--Appearance--
Slightly resembles porridge, mixed with clay. A grey-brown, very thick, cream-meets-Plasticine kind of foot mask. Once it is on your feet, it looks like you've been walking around in clay. I find it washes off fine afetr use.

--Scent--
A strong cinnamon smell is apparent, which can also quite cling to your hands if you don't wash them properly with soap after rinsing the mask from your feet.

--Texture and consistency--
Very thick but still spreadable. If you needed to revive it at all or make it more pliable, a spot of water should do the trick.

--Effects on the skin--
Skin is smoothened and less hard and feet are less stinky. WONDER.

--Value for money--
I got a bit done over on the price of this as I bought it in France, where it's jacked up to nearly €8. However, I'd say you'll easily get 10+ uses from one pot as you don't need to apply an especially thick layer each time, so the value for money is actually pretty good (even at €8 a pot). The effects on the feet are also tangible - there's something pretty nice about spending money on a product that works. Would recommend this by a country mile; it's a long time since I've been this pleased with a Lush product.

perfect partners
T for Toes Foot Powder, £6.10
Fair Trade Foot Lotion, £7.95
Pied de Pepper Foot Lotion, £6.55

Amala Hydrating Cream Cleanser

RRP: £42/200ml at www.beingcontent.com
--What does the promo say?--
"Hydrate dry skin while gently removing makeup and impurities with thiscomforting cleansing cream from Amala. The whole botanical ingredients help sootheand restore moisture for clean, soft, radiant skin.
Formulated with Amala's organic milk emulsifier, this natural and organic cleanser contains
* Jasmine: helps nourish, moisturise and soften dry skin, while providing antioxidant protection.
* Papaya: deeply hydrates skin, helping to strengthen skin's moisture barrier with essential fatty acids.
* White Clay: helps remove makeup, impurities and dead skin cells."

--Packaging--
Looks like it has just left a luxury spa to come and live in your bathroom: the opaque white plastic of the sample tube and the copper-coloured lid makes for a simple and elegant package.

--Application--
Wet your face using a damp flannel, and then one pump of this means you're ready to go. Rub the dose of cleanser over your wet face, and then rinse off, again using a wet flannel. Once your face has dried, proceed with your usual routine.

--Appearance--
A light yellow cream that is even in colour and leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
The jasmine in this is very obvious, so if you don't like the smell of this particular flower then you might be better off trying something else.

--Texture/consistency--
Creamy and luxurious, but light at the same time. It glides over the skin with ease, and washes off without a fight.

--Effects on the skin--
Skin seems smoother, calmer, and less red. Usually when a product wants to hydrate my skin, I send up a prayer to the god of skincare (surely my skin is oily enough without needing to be hydrated more, and this is bound to go badly?!), but I could breathe a sigh of relief: while no miracles were achieved, I definitely saw some improvement in my skin condition during the use of this product (probably thanks to the white clay it contains, which is also used in many acne-fighting products).

--Value for money--
Now here's the snag: at £42 for 200ml, this certainly isn't cheap. However, my skin is absurdly soft thanks to the use of this product line, so I can imagine that the product's target group (=those with dry or sensitive skin) would benefit enormously from it. It also gives me confidence that the purifying range would work well on my acne (though I'd steer clear of the regenerating range, which is almost twice as expensive as these other two lines). Finally, the tiny sample tube that www.beingcontent.com sent me only contained 5ml, which has lasted me at least 2 weeks. This means that a 200ml tube would last you MORE THAN A YEAR, and that the product would ultimately cost you less than £1 a week (in fact, probably closer to 50p). I'd therefore definitely recommend it: a simply gorgeous, effective, organic treat.

perfect partners
Hydrating Toner, £42/100ml
Hydrating Face Cream, £60/30ml

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask

RRP: £12 for 75ml tube + 2 sponges (also available in a 15ml tube)

--What does the promo say?--
"A highly concentrated clay and botanical mask that draws out impurities and excess oil, leaving your skin looking clean and clear. Specially formulated for combination, oily or problem skin. Not suitable for sensitive skin."

--Packaging--
A calm pale yellow tube with the trademark Liz Earle logo decorating it in dark brown. Plastic screw-top lid. However, you have to remember to shake this up a bit before using it, as a clear liquid tends to collect towards the neck of the tube.

--Usage instructions--
"Apply after cleansing skin. Smooth a generous layer of the mask over face and neck, avoiding eyes, lips and hairline. Leave on for 5 - 10 minutes. Wipe away residue with thoroughly rinsed sponges. Splash face with cool water. Use as often as needed: either as an all over face treatment, or to target specific blemishes or problem areas. For best results follow with Instant Boost Skin Tonic and Skin Repair Moisturiser."

--Appearance--
A dark grey-brown colour, which comfortingly really does look like runny mud rather than looking artificial. On the face, it looks patchy as it is difficult to apply evenly (mainly, I think, because it's absorbed so quickly by the skin). After use, skin looks softer and refreshed, pores and blackheads appear finer, and small patches of dry skin are made to disappear.

--Texture/consistency--
Creamy yet light, and runny but not ridiculously so.

--Scent--
Not really much discernible here.

--How does your skin feel afterwards?--
Like all the nasties have been lifted right out. I'm still left with some blackheads, but I'm seeing an improvement day on day and am confident that things will continue to improve over time. There's also no irritation - only softness (even with everyday use).

--Value for money--
Pretty good - the product is effective and very little needs to be used each time (even though it might not seem that way initially as the product sinks into the skin so quickly). It's also easy to wash off. However, you'll get an even better deal if you buy this as part of the Try-Me Treatment Kit, which contains everything you'll ever need for a variety of skincare emergencies (Spot-On Blemish Treatment Gel, Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask, Gentle Exfoliator, Brightening Treatment Mask, and Superskin Concentrate, as well as the Deep Cleansing Mask itself and some sponges and muslin cloths) for a mere £17.50. Or, if you're after an even sweeter deal, at Cowes Week this year, at which Liz Earle has been the official skincare sponsor for the past two years, they were giving these away for free.